Luka Doncic returned to Dallas for the primary time since his former crew traded him to the LA Lakers in early February. The Dallas Mavericks gave him a video tribute earlier than the showdown, prompting the gang to present him a standing ovation. Doncic shook off the emotional begin with a stunning show that reminded followers why they demanded Mavs GM Nico Harrison’s resignation.
The Slovenian got here out firing, erupting for 31 factors within the first half. He ended the night time with 45 factors, eight rebounds, six assists and 4 steals to steer the Lakers to a 112-97 win.
JJ Redick had this say about Luka Doncic’s first night time in Dallas as a Laker celebrity:
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“His skill to then go carry out, lights activate, he’s teary-eyed nonetheless as we stroll out on the courtroom for the tip ball. To have the emotional resolve to then placed on that type of efficiency, it’s superhuman…”
With the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Lakers enjoying a excessive stakes recreation, Doncic delivered as soon as once more. As an alternative of main the Jason Kidd-coached crew, the purpose guard repeatedly punished the Mavs together with his scoring, playmaking and management. Doncic seemingly dissected Kidd’s defensive methods at wil. The perennial MVP candidate is now 2-0 towards the Mavericks for the reason that surprising commerce.
JJ Redick mentioned the LA Lakers had Luka Doncic’s again
After a 136-120 loss to the OKC Thunder lower than 24 hours in the past, LeBron James informed reporters they had been prepared for the Dallas Mavericks. The four-time MVP knew the importance of the sport for Luka Doncic and vowed to do “no matter we want” to assist him.
In JJ Redick’s press convention after the win over the Mavericks, he mentioned:
“Our guys actually had Luka’s again.”
The 40-year-old celebrity backed up his promise with a 13-point fourth quarter when the Lakers stuttered. James stored the crew afloat earlier than they surged to the end line for the much-needed win.
The emotional win in Dallas improved the Lakers’ report to 49-31 and clinched them a spot within the playoffs. Luka Doncic is headed to his first postseason as a Laker.
